Does Thermography replace mammography?

No it does not. Thermography and mammography are different. Mammography uses radiation to detect structural changes like lumps or masses of cells. Thermography is safe, painless and no touch, it takes infrared images with a digital infrared digital camera. Thermography visualizes physiological changes, like heat/thermal abnormalities, vascular abnormalities, thermal asymmetries, inflammation, lymphatic health and more. Breast thermography is used to monitor breast health.

What can you see with thermography? 

Thermal abnormalities related to injuries, physiological changes, inflammation and more. When our physicians evaluate your images, they will assess their significance and comment as to whether they see a low, moderate or high level of significance. They will also recommend a follow-up appointment for further evaluation or to establish a baseline.

What is a baseline?

A stable baseline can be established on the follow-up appointment. Our interpreting physicians will compare your images from your first imaging to those of your follow up imaging. When they do this, they are looking for signs that the breasts are thermographically stable. When they see this stability, they will recommend that you come back for imaging in one year for an Annual Follow-Up. If they do not see stability, they may recommend further clinical correlation, and another follow up in 3 – 6 months.

Does Thermography see cancer?

If I have something suspicious looking, will the doctors say something? Thermography does not see cancer. If our Interpreting Physicians see something that they would consider “Thermographically Significant” they will give you a strong and intentional encouragement to seek further clinical correlation. Remember that “Thermographically Significant” does not necessarily mean significant for a specific disease.

I am a cancer survivor and don’t want any more radiation, can Thermography help me monitor my breasts?

Thermography can help you monitor the health of your breasts. Because we do not see cancer, our interpreting physicians do not monitor it.

Do I need a written referral/order from my doctor to have thermography done?

No, you do not. The majority of our clients are self referred. However, we do have many physicians who refer their patients to us, as they value and understand the benefits of thermographic imaging.

Can you prevent breast cancer with Thermography?

No. We believe that all women deserve to have the knowledge of how to keep their breasts healthy. We teach that diet, exercise, supplementation, dry brushing, hormone balancing as well as lifestyle choices and changes are useful ways to support breast health.

Who can benefit from Thermographic Imaging?

Anyone who is interested in proactively taking charge of their health will benefit from thermal imaging. So many people are focused on disease diagnosis. However, the shift to Health Discovery is a progressive approach for people who value the process of monitoring their health and making lifestyle changes with the guidance of their healthcare practitioners to achieve big results for their health and longevity.

Do you accept insurance?

I do not bill insurance. You are responsible for payment at the time of your imaging. I have seen insurance pay for thermography but VERY rarely. The “Medi Share” type of health coverage often pays for Thermography (check with your individual plan). I have had the most success with Liberty Health Share. They will reimburse for a breast thermography as part of a “Well-Woman” visit. If you have a healthcare spending account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA), I can provide an itemized receipt to submit to your insurance company.

Thermography Insurance Codes:

  • Thermography CPT code is: 93740, Under Non-invasive Physiologic Studies
  • Procedure Diagnosis code R938 is considered billable. (as a reminder, Thermography is NOT Diagnostic, but this is the wording the insurance companies use).
  • 2018 ICD-10-PCS Procedure Code 4A0ZXKZ Measurement of Temperature, External Approach.

Are you HIPAA Compliant?

YES. I follow all rules for HIPAA compliance. However, I am not required to do so yet.

What forms of payment do you accept?

I accept Mastercard, Visa, Discover, American Express, HSA cards, Venmo and PayPal as well as cash and checks. Payment is expected at the time of service.

When will I receive my report?

Reports will be sent to you via a HIPAA compliant email service within 7-10 days. If you have a serious concern, I can provide a STAT interpretation which means your report will be sent to you within 48 hours.

I’ve heard that it’s better to have a “non-traveling” thermographer, Is that true?

No. It is impossible to regulate the humidity of a room. As long as there is an appropriate cool down period and the temperature of the office is appropriate, my very accurate camera will record your images accurately. Traveling vs non traveling is a choice. 

I have breast implants/fibrous breasts, Can I have thermography? 

Yes! We have many clients who have breast implants.